Dana White excited for Womans GOAT Match Up

A Champion Who Forced the GOAT’s Return

Harrison, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in judo, carved out her reputation as one of the most dominant fighters in the world long before arriving in the UFC. After winning multiple titles at 155 pounds in the PFL, Harrison made the jump to the UFC and delivered on expectations, overwhelming and finishing Julianna Peña to capture the bantamweight championship.

Her goal from the start was clear: become champion and lure Nunes back into the octagon.

According to White, Harrison’s title win was the catalyst.

“Amanda Nunes, who is the GOAT, the greatest female fighter of all time in any combat sport. Says if this woman ends up winning the title, I will come back to face her,” White said. “It’s a great, great fight. In my opinion, the greatest female fight of all time.”

Two Résumés Without Comparison

Harrison’s résumé is nearly spotless. She has suffered just one defeat a decision loss to Larissa Pacheco in the PFL a setback that came after Harrison had already beaten the Brazilian twice. Outside of that anomaly, Harrison has bulldozed elite competition with physicality, control, and finishing ability rarely seen in women’s MMA.

Across the cage stands Nunes, whose legacy is already cemented. During her reign atop the UFC bantamweight division, Nunes defeated every former champion she faced, including Miesha Tate, Holly Holm, and Ronda Rousey. Her shocking upset loss to Peña in 2021 briefly halted her momentum, but Nunes responded emphatically with a dominant rematch victory.

Nunes retired after defeating Irene Aldana in 2023, walking away as champion but the door was never fully closed. Once Harrison captured the belt, Nunes made her intentions clear.

A Card Built for a New Era

Harrison vs. Nunes headlines the co-main event slot at UFC 324, setting the stage for what many consider the most accomplished women’s fight ever assembled. The bout also anchors a card designed to usher in a new era for the UFC.

The main event features Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett, with the interim lightweight title on the line adding further intrigue to an already loaded night.

But make no mistake: January 24 will be remembered most for Harrison and Nunes. One champion defending her throne, the other chasing a legacy she never truly relinquished.

For women’s MMA, and for the UFC’s new broadcast era, there may be no bigger fight to kick things off.